Yesterday, Greenwich Police arrested a resident for failing to comply with the change of address rules under the Connecticut Sex Offender Registration list, commonly referred to as “Megan’s Law.” The offender, whose name is not available at this time, failed to notify the state within 5 days of a residence move, as required by statute.
GPD Lt. John Washowski indicated that among the many tools police use in enforcing Megan’s law is a free public website, www.familywatchdog.us. (NOTE: do not confuse this website with a similar website ending in “.com” — the correct Family Watchdog website ends in “.us”.) “This is a good web-site that has been very useful to us” he said.
But, as Greenwich Community and Police Partnership (CAPP) East Sector Chairman Sam Romeo said last night on his WGCH radio show “Greenwich Matters” the GPD does not have a complete “tool box” to fight sex offending. A child protective ordinance proposed by CAPP was defeated at last month’s RTM meeting. Romeo, and First Selectman Peter J. Tesei vowed to resurrect the proposal.
on Jul 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
GET REAL! The ordinance would have had no impact on this recent event of failure to register. And Romeo and the cops stating that this is further “proof” that this ordinance is “needed” just shows how desperate they are for validation of this ineffective and unconstitutional law. They have NO RESEARCH THAT THIS IS GOOD LAW. The ordinance has NO IMPACT ON PROTECTING CHILDREN BUT RATHER IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. Do the research!
Sex Offender Laws: Failed Policies, New Directions. By Richard Wright. March 2009.
“Full toolbox to fight sexual offending?” Children have a better chance of being struck by lighthning than experiencing a sex offense at these public areas which would be banned. 93% of all sex assaults of children are committed by a known aquaintace inside the home. What “tools” has Romeo or the cops proposed to addrress this real problem? NONE.
It seems to me that ROMEO and the cops don’t have a leg to stand on and are just perpetuating fear and ignorance at the expense of the public who could really use evidence based and researched laws.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
obviously this response to our child safety ordinance was responded by a registered sex offender, or their family member or close friend is ONE. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be taking such a negative view on what CAPP and the police department is trying to accomplish. First of all I don’t believe your name is Joseph and if you really had something to say don’t hide behind a blog. If you really believe in what you are saying you should come out for public debate on it.